Chess, one of the oldest strategy games in the world, has made a surprising and powerful leap into the esports arena. Thanks to platforms like Chess.com and Lichess, and a surge of interest driven by online personalities and streamers, competitive chess has evolved into a digital spectacle. Tournaments like the Chess.com Global Championship and the Champions Chess Tour attract millions of viewers—blurring the lines between traditional sports, gaming, and content creation.
What makes chess in esports so engaging is its accessibility and entertainment value. Top grandmasters like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura stream their games on Twitch, breaking down moves in real time and interacting with global audiences. The “PogChamps” series, which features streamers and celebrities learning and playing chess competitively, introduced the game to a younger generation in an entirely new format: fast, fun, and highly watchable.
Unlike many esports titles that rely on reflexes and team coordination, online chess emphasizes mental agility and strategy. With fast time controls like bullet and blitz formats, it becomes a high-intensity battle of wits. As technology, commentary, and storytelling improve, chess is proving that a centuries-old game can thrive in the digital age—and compete with modern esports for global attention.
